Goodwill also makes an artist

Eminent personalities team up with Delhi-based artists to create collaborative artworks for a fundraiser.

Art is a matter for all seasons these days. But it’s seldom that art begins to matter to all, affecting the lives of those who can’t even afford a decent meal in a day. A group of 40 artists from Delhi are making that happen by participating in a silent art auction-fundraiser by Khushi at Clarion Collection, The Qutub, on January 10.

Khushi, headed by former cricketer Kapil Dev, is an NGO that works for the alleviation of destitute communities in rural and urban areas in India. The fourth edition of the fundraiser, India on Canvas, will exhibit collaborative artwork by artists and eminent personalities. “This year, excitement is definitely bigger, but seeing the market situation we have kept the auction silent, and we have less works as compared to our previous auctions,” says Harveen Kapoor, governing body member, Khushi.

At the auction, a painting is expected to draw a minimum of Rs 4 lakh; and according to the organisers, it can go up to Rs 20 to Rs 40 lakh. Artist Sanjay Bhattacharya, who has made two artworks — one with entrepreneur Robert Vadra — says, “The two canvases are part of my recent series on Lord Krishna. Vadra and I did the canvas together, where I have drawn a traditional figure of Krishna and Vadra has done some geometrical figures. The colours used are very bright and vibrant, and the final touch to the work is through thick strokes by palette knives.”

Another artist, Paresh Maity, says, “It was very interesting to share a space with a non-artist; and share our ideas and philosophies. My work with Anushree Jain is titled, Sight; it depicts an interaction between a man and a woman.”